Stellar wind feedback

Massive stars are key agents in setting the physical conditions in the interstellar medium in galaxies. On local scales, they rapidly destroy star-forming molecular clouds through their intense radiation, powerful winds, and supernova explosions. Supernova feedback seems to be the dominant of the three mechanisms on galactic scales, but early, pre-SN feedback appears to be responsible for destroying the natal molecular cloud and in limiting the mass of the most massive stars.<br /> <br /> The importance of stellar wind feedback is still uncertain. Recent work has shown that turbulent mixing at the interface between the hot shocked stellar wind and surrounding material may strongly cool the hot gas, limiting the strength of this feedback mechanism. You will investigate this process using 3D hydrodynamical simulations. Your calculations will use a state-of-the-art code and make use of high performance computing facilities at The University of Leeds and potentially elsewhere. You will be able to place new constraints on the importance of turbulent mixing and the effectiveness of stellar wind feedback.<br />

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Physics &amp; Astronomy FT</strong></em> and in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Stellar wind feedback</strong></em>&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/4126/dr-julian-pittard">Dr Julian Pittard</a>&nbsp;as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. &nbsp;Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. &nbsp;We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents at the point you submit your application:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> <li>Funding information</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p><strong>Priority project</strong></p> <p>A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship consisting of the award of fees with a maintenance grant (currently &pound;17,668 for session 2022/23) for 3.5 years.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to all applicants, with a number of awards for Non-UK nationals limited by UKRI.&nbsp; All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong>&nbsp; Any costs associated with your arrival at the University of Leeds to start your PhD including flights, immigration health surcharge/medical insurance and Visa costs are not covered under this studentship.</p> <p>Please refer to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a>&nbsp;website for&nbsp;information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about the application process, please contact Doctoral College Admissions,<br /> e:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For specific scientific enquiries about the project, please contact Dr Pittard,<br /> e: <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">j.m.pittard@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>